I thought I would introduce this after tonights game which has left me a little bitter.
Game 1 vs Leicester: Leicester get a first penalty from VAR. Whilst not the most controversial penalty it did seem soft. Other teams have had VAR over-rule worse penalties this season (see Brighton vs Man Utd with Connolly). Regardless, I don't think this would have affected the game. We were already 1-0 down and didn't look like scoring all game. Not only this, but after the first, Leicester started to steam roll us. Annoyingly, the check seemed to take 5 seconds or so as if it was a foregone conclusion.
Game 2 vs Everton: For their first goal, VAR correctly said that Furlong headed the ball back to Calvert-Lewin. I know he did this, but they didn't mention that Richarlison was in an off-side position which affected Furlong's header. In short, had he not been bothering Furlong in the offside position then Furlong would have probably hit a more clean header. To be honest though, I don't know the rules on this and if they've been updated/changed so if I'm wrong on this one then I hold my hands up.
Game 2 vs Everton: For their equaliser, there was a clear block off the ball in the build up which lead to Rodriguez getting an easy shot on goal. For me, this was the first time of the season that VAR had really harmed us. As said with the other examples, it may not have affected the game and I'm not sure if it should have stood. Having said this, we still conceded 5 with 10 men so I doubt we'd have got much from Everton who are doing well.
Game 3 vs Chelsea: Their second goal came from a potential foul on Furlong further up the pitch. Like the 2nd Everton goal, what was infuriating was that there was no VAR check on this at all, as if it never happened. This is simply not fair and if VAR is to be used, it needs to be done properly and not cherry pick certain events whilst ignoring others.
Game 3 vs Chelsea: Their equaliser came from a handball from Havertz. I know the new rule is that if it hits the sleeve then it's not a handball but it was lower than the sleeve and more on the bicep (he happened to be wearing a long-sleeved shirt). For me, this directly effected the goal as the ball would have probably gone out otherwise but it kept it alive from which they scored. Unlike the other two games, the VAR calls against Chelsea where very bad and cost us 2 extra points.
I thought this thread would be useful this season. Without sounding bias I think we've had a few clear calls go against us so far as well as more debatable calls. At the same time I don't see much has gone for us. I've also seen a few other games like Palace, Brighton etc today where the bigger team has been favoured yet again. It is hard enough to stay up when newly promoted but it seems harder than ever when technology harms you even further. Please feel free to agree/disagree. As said with some of the calls, I may not be as up to date with current rules etc.
